Nathan Corbett: All of us have feelings, fears and doubts

Former World Champion in Muay Thai, Australian Nathan Corbett shares his post-retirement story with the world.

Nathan Corbett (60-3-1) cemented his name in history as one of the most feared fighters in Muay Thai. “Elbow Master” won eleven World Titles, earned international recognition and fame. In February he appeared on The FightBox Podcast revealing some of the facts of his outstanding career and the brightest moments.

“I would have given all my [world title] belts away just to have no pain in my body and not feel broken,” he said. He though added that the reason he now speaks about his vulnerable time “isn’t for pity”.

“It’s to connect with people, speak to their lives, and make them realize that all of us have feelings, fears and doubts. It’s just whether you let those fears control you or try to overcome them.”

“I realized I couldn’t come back but didn’t tell anyone. I kept going to the gym every day as if I was going to fight again. But I knew the truth.”

Life is a fight

Talking post-retirement Corbett said that he realized that “life is a fight and it doesn’t stop”. It indeed confirms the words of Rocky, Sylvester Stallone who says that life is that opponent that “never stops punching, so you better never stop punching back”.

“The bell goes ding-ding when you’re born and it doesn’t ring again until you die,” said Corbett. “There is no time-out and that is the biggest discovery I’ve had in the last two years.”

“The number one thing – and it’s so cliche – is never give up. Even when you’re at your lowest and go to sleep at night in tears and praying to God for help, you’ve got to remember tomorrow is a new day.”

The Purpose

Three years later outside the boxing ring, Nathan Corbett knows what he wants. Moreover, he knows what he loves.

Alongside sharing his Muay Thai knowledge by producing numerous training seminars across the Global, the “King of Carnage” aspires to support those who might find themselves in a “dark” place he has been himself. The purpose is to bring out the true Warrior that sleeps within. The most recent venture was an Ultimate Warrior Retreat in Bali last month, with several upcoming journeys ahead.

“It’s taken me three years to find my purpose,” Corbett says. “What I love to do now is empower people.”

Parviz Iskenderov is a Muay Thai fighter and World Kickboxing Network International coordinator. He is a former National champion of Belarus, finalist of IFMA European Cup and former WKN Australian super lightweight title challenger.

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FIGHTMAG is an Australian online magazine that covers Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts internationally. FIGHTMAG exists only to create excellent journalism in the field of combat sports.